Keynote Speaker Parlays Golf Tips to Business Acumen

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Keynote Speaker Parlays Golf Tips to Business Acumen

Scores of SupplySide West participants packed the Bellini Ballroom in the Venetian on Nov. 10 for the keynote address, sponsored by Unigen Pharmaceuticals and delivered by golf veteran Johnny Miller. Demonstrating the basis for his Emmy Award nominations as a golf commentator and lead analyst for NBC Sports, Miller engaged the crowd with words of wisdom for both the golf and business worlds.The frank, honest delivery he is known for on television carried over into his advice for the dietary supplement crowd. Golf reveals character, he said. If you want to know who you are dealing with [in business], just take them golfing.

A former professional golfer who has hit 22 holes-in-one, Miller spoke of the lessons he has learned from becoming a champion of both the British Open and the U.S. Open, where he shot a personal best 63.

To help the crowd with their shots, especially for the golfers in attendance, Miller gave a few golf swing tips, including brushing the grass just before the ball. Against a backdrop of painted golf course scenery, he demonstrated a number of swinging techniques, both good and bad. Most of you probably bring your belly up at the end of your swing, he said, when noting the importance of maintaining balance and club speed throughout the swing.

Millers storied career as both a golfer and an analyst have provided powerful insights into the world of relationships, both personal and professional. Among the valuable advice he gave was for managers and executives to recognize and analyze good performances. He noted in this modern society of demanding attitudes and quest for perfection, the little successes often get lost. People thrive on praise, he said. Care about the people and work that surrounds you. Embrace and appreciate the good parts, instead of focusing on the bad parts. In providing tips on how to teach golf, especially to children, Miller remarked, The greatest way to teach someone is to show them your energy; this is a great form of respect. Sales people, especially, should always show their best energy. He also recommended the industry members confess to their mistakes. You dont want to take 10 minutes to fix a problemits important to fix it now, he urged. Waiting too long to correct or address a fixable problem can ruin a valuable relationship. On a similar note, he told the crowd their biggest shot is when they walk in the door each evening after work. Make your best shot by showing your family your energy, he said. And remember the power of your smile.

TK, said Regan Miles, president and chief operating officer of Unigen, which marked its fourth straight sponsorship of the SupplySide West keynote address. TK.